Borgo Panigale
We were staying in Florence, so it was easy to take a train up to Bologna, and from there a taxi (E15) from Bologna Centrale to the factory in Borgo, Panigale. You have to book your visit first and they get back with a confirmation of date and time to ensure the group isn't too big. It also costs E10 on the day unless you are a Ducati Club member.I flashed my New Zealand Desmo Owners Club card and all was sweet.
The Ducati Museum Tour
The Ducati Museo is pretty neat - take a box of tissues ;-) you big biker blokes don't want to be seen to cry (don't worry its dark inside). The tour includes a full history of Ducati and how the company developed over the years - including lots of bikes and trophies, of course.
From the baby Cucciolo and the mighty Apollo to the Desmosedici and Panigale race bikes.
The Ducati Factory Tour
The factory is strictly no-photos so I don't have any glimpses from inside. It was such a great sight to see the bikes being assembled by hand. There are only 2 people who make the Panigale, for instance. We saw all sorts of bikes being built as we ambled through the factory, and in every stage of development from the Parts Supermarket to the testing rooms and the load-out. There were a few Ducatis in the carpark too, worth a look. Only Ducatis though - other bikes not allowed.The Ducati Factory Shop
Across the road is the Ducati Outlet Store where there were a few good bargains in clothing and gear. I didn't buy anything there, and then cursed later that I should have.Ducatisti
That coming weekend MotoGP at Mugelo, and there were a few people on the tour who had ridden over for the race and were doing the tours again. I can see myself doing it again - maybe when I go over to get my special factory Panigale R. Better buy two Lotto tickets this week ;-)Cheers, johnhs.
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